Rebel journalist. Political prisoner. Franz Kafka's mistress. "A remarkable story of courage and survival" in Nazi Germany (Los Angeles Times Book Review).

In 1919, Czech translator, the married Milena Jesenká, asked Franz Kafka for permission to translate one his stories. Thus began an increasingly heartfelt correspondence between Kafka and the beautiful and spirited young woman who, through her impassioned letters, would become his greatest love.

But then Milena became the head of a politically committed newspaper targeted by Hitler, and so much of her life would change as the Nazis rose to power.

Milena was arrested in 1939 and sent to the death camp at Ravensbrück. There she met Margarete Buber-Neumann, a fellow political prisoner, writer, and opponent of Nazism. Together in their remarkable struggle, they made a pact: If they survived, they would write a book together; if only one made it, she would tell the story. It would fall to Buber-Neumann to make good on the promise.

From Milena's strict childhood in Prague to her politically charged battles, trailblazing career, and unique romance with the elusive Kafka, Buber-Nuemann's inspiring biography of this remarkable woman gives us a lesson in humanity and dignity, as well as an unforgettable homage to friendship.